Taulant Xhaka: I dream of playing alongside Granit – at Arsenal or Basel

Taulant Xhaka wants to play alongside his brother Granit again in the future, and says he doesn’t mind whether it’s at Arsenal or FC Basel.

Taulant, who currently plays in the Swiss Super League, told Goal this week that he dreams of a footballing reunion with his younger brother. The two played alongside each other at Basel between 2010 and 2012, and the 26-year-old says he wants to play with Granit again, regardless of where it is.

“Yes (I want to), if not at Arsenal then maybe at FC Basel when he returns to Switzerland,” he said. “It is my dream to play with my brother again. But whether that’s at Arsenal or Basel, it does not matter.

“I believe that he wants to return to Basel at the end of his career because he grew up here and FC Basel is his favourite team. As soon as he has two days off, he comes to Basel and visits his friends and family. There is a very strong bond.

“There are many nice moments. Of course, I like to remember my Champions League debut at Old Trafford at Manchester United, where we drew 3-3. Being able to experience this together with Granit in the same team was a very nice experience for us. As kids we used to spend 24 hours together.”

It’s unlikely Granit will leave for Basel anytime soon, at least not while Arsene Wenger is manager. The midfielder has started every league game this season for Arsenal, so he clearly has the faith of the boss.

Things haven’t gone so well recently though. In fact, both brothers have been on the end of disappointing results against Manchester City. Arsenal of course lost 3-0 twice in one week, in the League Cup final and the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Basel lost their Champions League first leg 4-0 to Pep Guardiola’s side. They play the second leg on Wednesday night, but at this point the result is a formality.

On the positive side, at least they each have someone to talk to about it. For now though, they’ll have to settle for speaking on the phone.

Arsenal fan since a young age, now a season ticket holder who enjoys writing, tweeting and making videos about the Gunners. Also likes: guitar, gaming and lists of three.
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